BASEBALL COACHES MANUAL Appendix F — Rule Modifications NAIA baseball will follow NCAA Baseball Playing Rules with approved NAIA modifications. Wih the change in NCAA rules the modifications listed below are the only current modifications to the NCAA Baseball Rules that will be in effect for the 2018-19 baseball season. Any future modifications to the NCAA Rules must be passed by the NAIA Baseball Coaches Association (NAIA-BCA) and approved by the NAIA National Administrative Council (NAC). NCAA RULE 5-5 – NAIA RE-ENTRY RULE MODIFICATION Any of the starting players, with the exception of the pitcher and the designated hitter, may withdraw from the game and re- enter once, provided such players occupy the same batting position whenever they re-enter the lineup. Starting pitchers and designated hitters who change positions later in the same game are NOT eligible to re-enter; because their original starting position was either pitcher or designated hitter. A defensive substitution cannot be made unless the team wanting to make the substitution is playing defense at the time. NCAA RULE 5-5 – NAIA COURTESY RUNNER RULE MODIFICATION Teams have the option to use a courtesy runner for the pitcher/designated hitter or catcher at any time. For speed-up purposes, it is recommended that the courtesy runner be used with two men out in all games. The courtesy runner, although never officially in the game, will be credited with the following: A. Run scored B. Stolen base C. Caught stealing The courtesy runner rule does not apply to a pinch-hitter for the catcher unless the catcher has been re-entered. However, it is permissible to re-enter a catcher for his pinch-hitter and subsequently use the courtesy runner. A team may not use the same runner for the pitcher/designated hitter and catcher in the same inning. The courtesy runner may not be removed from a base to become a pinch hitter. A player removed from the game may not be used as a courtesy runner. Should the courtesy runner pinch hit, pinch run or enter the game at any position, he will no longer be eligible to be a courtesy runner. NCAA RULE 5-8.A – NAIA 7-INNING GAME OPTION Teams may adopt a rule providing that one or both games shall be seven (7) innings in length. In such games, any of these rules applying to the ninth inning shall apply to the seventh inning. The 9-inning rule may be waived and shortened to 7 innings prior to the game if both coaches agree to the waiver. If both coaches do not agree, the 9-inning rule will be in effect. This applies to regular season games only. NCAA RULE 5-8.C – NAIA REGULATION GAME A game shortened due to a time limit by a facility or tournament committee shall be a regulation game provided the conditions of Rule 5-8-b are met. NAIA National Office • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 Rules Modifications – 2018-19 .